About 100 undergraduate students from 15 colleges and universities around the state showcased their research in the Capitol Rotunda and hallways. They exhibited posters on research in areas ranging from studies of keystroke biometrics for enhanced computer security to microgravity research, and many topics in between.

An awards ceremony at the Culture Center held in conjunction with Undergraduate Research Day, recognized more than $6.4 million in recent, competitively-funded state grants to colleges and universities to advance scientific research across West Virginia. Among the awards presented will be new studies funded by the Research Challenge Fund and two $100,000 awards supported by interest earned on the Research Trust Fund - or “Bucks for Brains” program.

More information about the Research Challenge Fund and Research Trust Fund, and the education and economic benefits these programs bring to the state, can be found at www.wvresearch.org.

Thursday, February 28, 2013 - 01:05 PM

Senate Congratulates Shinnston Little League All-Star Team

The Senate convened this morning for the 16th day of the 2013 Regular Session.

Senate Resolution 22 was adopted, congratulating the Shinnston Little League All-Star Team on winning the 2012 state championship and making it to regional’s of the Little League World Series.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 was also adopted, which would name a bridge in Wetzel County the “Army Sgt. Norman R. Cunningham Memorial Bridge.” The resolution will now go to the House for adoption.

Senate Bill 172 was laid over and will retain its place on the calendar. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 197, regarding expiring funds, was read for the first time.

Ten bills were introduced today, including Senate Bill 394, which would establish a scholarship program for dependent children of state troopers who died in the line of duty.

A citation was presented recognizing Samantha Dolin, who was selected to participate in NASA's Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program. The program will allow Dolin to propose, design, fabricate, fly and evaluate a reduced gravity experiment of her choosing.

A citation was also presented to Carolyn Epling, who retired today after many years of service as the House Fiscal Officer.

House Bill 2505 was passed today. This bill would increase civil penalties imposed by the Public Service Commission for pipeline safety violations. The bill now heads to he Senate for its consideration.

House Bill 2477, was passed which would allow certain auxiliary lighting on motorcycles with the goal of increasing visibility and safety for motorcyclists.

Also on the floor, House Bill 2505, which would increase civil penalties for pipeline safety violations and make West Virginia state law consistent with federal standards, had its second reading.

Bills on first reading today were House Bill 2314, which would authorize family court to order a child to be taken into custody in emergency situations and House Bill 2487, which would prohibit the use of laetrile.

Finally, the House adopted House Resolution 13, deeming today Disability Advocacy Day at the Legislature and had singers from Daily Companions, Inc. from Martinsburg perform on the floor.

The Senate convened today to introduce 17 bills and one Senate Resolution.

Senate Bill 172, relating to licensing for nonintoxicating beer distributors, was advanced to second reading today.

Bills introduced today included Senate Bill 380 which would expand the Military Incentive Program for all economically disadvantaged veterans as opposed to only veterans of the Vietnam era and of Korean conflict.

The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 21 which designated February 27, 2013 as Disability Advocacy Day. The resolution was introduced by Senator Stollings.

The following committees will meet today:

The Committee on Judiciary will meet today at 3:00 p.m. in 208W. The Committee on Finance will meet today at 3:00 p.m. in 451M.

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

The Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in 451M. The Committee on Education will meet tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. in 451M.

The Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. in the Senate Chamber.

Today in the House, House Resolution 12 was adopted deeming today “Community Action Day” and three citations were presented to groups recognizing the work done by the “Our Children, Our Future” Campaign to end childhood poverty, the Wahama High School football team on being single A state champions and recognizing the 41st anniversary of the Buffalo Creek disaster.

The House also moved, House Bill 2477,which would allow certain auxiliary lighting on motorocycles, to second reading.

House Bill 2505,which would increase civil penalties for pipeline safety violations and would make West Virginia law consistent with federal standards, was read for the first time. This is a governor's bill in response to the Sissionville pipeline explosion.

The Senate convened today at 11:00 a.m. to introduce six bills, one Senate Joint Resolution, and one Senate Resolution.

The Senate also passed four bills including Senate Bill 60, relating to name change publication requirements, Senate Bill 71, which requires descriptions of rights-of-way to include width in addition to the center line, Senate Bill 76, which would allow voters who have moved to vote for President and Vice President, and Senate Bill 82, which would require public service boards to have at least one rate-paying residential customer of the public service district on its board membership.

The bills introduced included Senate Bill 371, which would reform aspects of the criminal justice system to improve public safety and address the growing prison overcrowding and substance abuse problems in this state.

The following committees will meet today:

The Committee on Natural Resources will meet today at 1:00 p.m. in 208W. The Committee on Education will meet today at 2:00 p.m. in 451M. The Committee on Government Organization will meet today at 2:00 p.m. in 208W. The Committee on Finance will meet today at 3:00 p.m. in 451M. The Committee on Judiciary will meet today at 3:00 p.m. in the House Chamber. The Education Subcommittee on School Access and Safety will hold a public hearing at 5:00 p.m. in 451M.

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

The Committee on Labor will meet tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in 208W. The Committee on Children and Poverty will meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in 451M. The Committee on Economic Development will meet tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in 451M. The Committee on Government Organization will meet tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in 208W.

Today the House of Delegates presented a citation to Roane County Deputy Sheriff John Westfall who was injured in the line of duty late August last year. He was joined by his wife and three children.

House Resolution 42 was also adopted requesting that the portion of the King Coal highway that runs through Mingo County be named in honor of Mike Whitt. Whitt was an integral citizen to Mingo County and was vital to the development of this highway. They presented his family with the resolution to formally name the highway the Mike Whitt Visionary Leadership Highway.

United States Congressman Nick Joe Rahall was also in attendance during the floor session today.

House Bill 2173, which relates to costs of indigent funeral costs, had its third reading today and was passed. It now heads to the Senate for its consideration.

House Bill 2477, which would allow for certain auxiliary lighting on motorcycles, had its first reading today.

Committees Meeting Today:

House Judiciary Committee: 2:00 p.m. in 410M House Finance Committee: 2:00 p.m in 460M House Government and Organization 2:00 p.m in 215E House Education Committee 3:00 p.m. in 434M

The Senate passed House Bill 145 today, which would amend and reenact Section 3-1-50 of the West Virginia Code relating to state-based administrative complaint procedures.

Bills introduced today included Senate Bill 368, which would clarify that anyone convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year in prison prior to a marriage and without the knowledge of the spouse constitutes a basis for voiding a marriage. Also, Senate Bill 359 which relates generally to reforming public education was introduced today on behalf of the Governor and referred to the Senate Education Committee.

The Committee on Government Organization will meet today at 2:00 p.m. in 208W. The Committee on Judiciary will meet today at 3:00 p.m. in 208W. The Committee on Finance will meet today at 3:00 p.m. in 451M.

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

The Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining will meet tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in room 208W. The Committee on Military will meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in 208W. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in 451M. The Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in 451M. The Committee on Natural Resources will meet tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in 208W. The Committee on Government Organization will meet tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in 208W. The Committee on Education will meet tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in 451M.

Lawmakers, State Troopers, members of the WV Sheriff's Association, and the public gathered this afternoon in the lower rotunda at the State Capitol to honor the State Troopers who put their lives on the line and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on August 28, 2012 after responding to an erratic driving call.

Corporal Marshall Bailey and Trooper Eric Workman arrested a young driver, handcuffed him, and placed him in the back of their cruiser for erratic driving. While waiting on a tow truck to arrive, the suspect pulled out a hidden handgun and shot and killed both troopers.

When Frank Massey, the tow truck driver, arrived to the scene he found both troopers and then was also shot by the suspect who then fled the scene. Massey still managed to get back to his truck and call for help. Roane and Clay County Deputies responded to the call and found the suspect in the woods; an exchange of gunshots followed. Roane County Deputy, John Westfall, was shot by the suspect, but fortunately, was wearing a bulletproof vest that left him wounded but alive. The suspect was killed after an exchange of fire between him and Clay County Deputies Chris Legg and Chris Davis and Corporal Robert Belt.

Today in the Senate Chamber, Bill Laird, the Senator from Fayette County and former Sheriff of Fayette County introduced Senate Bill 360 which would issue ballistic vests to deputy sheriffs upon receiving law-enforcement certification. A similar measure, House Bill 2717 was introduced in the House by lead sponsor Delegate Bob Ashley, who represents Roane County.

The bills introduced included Senate Bill 345 which would increase the number of state troopers and their beginning pay rate.

Two bills were advanced to third reading today: Senate Bill 71 which would require that descriptions of right-of-ways and easements include width in addition to identification of the center line and Senate Bill 145 which would amend election complaint procedures.

The following committees will meet on Monday:

The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will meet Monday at 12:00 p.m. in 208W. The Committee on Banking and Insurance will meet Monday at 2:00 p.m. in 208W.

Today in the House, members of the Institute of Architects and students from the RAZE program, a program that advocates for a tobacco free West Virginia, were recognized in the House.

The House also introduced 12 bills, including House Bill 2602,that if passed, would provide full faith and credit to nonresidents who have handgun permits or licenses in their states.

House Bill 2471, which would prohibit the restriction or otherwise lawful possession, use, carrying, transportation, transfer, display or storage of a firearm or ammunition during a declared state of emergency, was unanimously passed by the House.

House Bill 2173, which would limit certain funeral expenses to those provided by a licensed funeral director, was read for the second time.

After observing West Virginia History Day at the legislature, citations were presented recognizing three groups that joined House members in the chamber today.

The Wyoming East Warriors Baseball team was recognized for winning the 2012 WV State AA championship along with the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and West Virginia school counselors who were recognized for outstanding service.

After citations were presented, House Bill 2471, which would allow for the lawful possession of firearms or ammunition during a declared state of emergency, was read a second time.

Also on the floor, House Bill 2173, which would limit costs for certain burial services provided by a state licensed funeral director was read a first time.

18 other bills were introduced, including House Bill 2590, which would establish a public non-profit corporation to address many economic and environmental programs per request of Governor Tomblin.

Committees Meeting Today: Government Organization at 2:00pm in room 215E Joint Committee on Judiciary at 1:00pm in the House Chamber

Bills introduced included Senate Bill 336 which would establish protocols and protections to help limit head injuries and concussions in interscholastic athletics.

Senate Resolutions adopted included Senate Resolution 17 , congratulating the Wayne High School football team for being the 2012 AA Football Champions and Senate Resolution 18, congratulating the Wyoming East Warriors baseball team on their 2012 WV State Championship win.

The following committees will meet today:

The Joint Committee on Judiciary will meet at 3:00 p.m. in the House Chamber The Education Committee will meet at 2:00 p.m. in room 451M The Finance Committee will meet at 3:00 p.m. in room 451M The Health and Human Resources Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. in room 451M

The following committees will meet tomorrow:

The Pensions and Retirement Committee will meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in room 208W

This morning, the House convened for the eighth day of the regular session.

The House of Delegates passed House Bill 2434, the first House Bill passed during the 2013 Regular Session, which will give magistrates a pay increase and give all magistrates statewide equal pay.

House Resolution 8 was adopted, making February 20, 2013 “Marshall University Day.” The John Marshall Fife and Drum Corps performed the National Anthem and "West Virginia Hills" to commemorate the occasion.

The House also introduced 23 more bills, including House Bill 2561, which would amend the current requirements to get a concealed weapons license.

House Adopts Resolutions Honoring Clay Center, Makes Today Home School Day

The West Virginia House of Delegates convened for the seventh day of the 2013 Regular Session this morning.

House Resolution 10 was adopted, recognizing the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia’s contributions to the state. The House also adopted House Resolution 11, making February 19, 2013 “West Virginia Home School Day.”

House Bill 2434 was read for the second time and advanced to third reading.

The House introduced 28 bills, including four by request of the Governor.

Of the three resolutions, Senate Resolution 13, recognizing Kendyl Ryan, was adopted. Ryan was granted the national GEAR UP Youth of the Year Award.

Senate Bill 74, which would replace "other infamous offense" term relating to jury service disqualification and Senate Bill 116, which relates to crimes against property involving graffiti, were both advanced to third reading.

The State Senators met today at 1 p.m. for the sixth day of the Regular Session. February 18, 2013 was designated as Veterans Visibility Day.

Introduced were 14 Senate Bills, 1 Senate Joint Resolution and 2 Senate Resolutions. The West Virginia Municipal League was also represented by several mayors of municipalities who were also in attendance.

Two bills were read a first time and advanced to Second Reading . Senate Bill 74, which would replace "other infamous offense" term relating to jury service disqualification and Senate Bill 116, which relates to crimes against property involving graffiti which is similar to a House Bill that was passed last session but was vetoed for technical reasons.

Veterans' Visibility Day was held today at the Capitol to honor West Virginia's active and retired military veterans and to give them a chance to express their concerns to the legislators.

Today's observance was made up of two separate ceremonies: the first was held in the House Chamber at 9:00am and the second was held in the Senate Chamber at 11:00am.

Senator Erik Wells, a veteran and current chairman of the Senate Military Committee and the Interim Veterans' Affairs Committee, spoke during the ceremony in the Senate Chamber this morning expressing his gratitude for our men and women in uniform serving our state and country. Senator Wells introduced Senate Resolution 11 today which designated February 18, 2013 as Veterans' Visibility Day.

Earlier in the House Chamber, Congressman Rahall received the 2012 Harry S. Truman Award from the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) in recognition of his legislative efforts in support of the men and women serving in the National Guard.

Friday, February 15, 2013 - 12:48 PM

House Introduces Pipeline Safety Bill

The West Virginia House of Delegates convened Friday morning for the third day of the 2013 Regular Session.

The House introduced 46 bills, including 12 bills requested by the Governor. One of the bills was House Bill 2505, which would increase civil penalties for pipeline safety violations.

Bills introduced included Senate Bill 170, which would create the Keep Jobs in West Virginia Act and and Senate Bill 181, which would clarify drugged driving offence, a proposal outlined by the Governor.

Introduced in the Senate today were 19 bills during the brief floor session. Resolutions adopted included Senate Resolution 8, which designated February 14, 2013 as Corrections Day and Senate Resolution 9, honoring Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

The State Senate convened the First Regular Session of the 81st Legislature today at noon. After establishing a quorum, the Senate introduced 142 bills.

The body then adopted Senate Resolution 6, which created a Select Committee on Children in Poverty, and Senate Resolution 7, which designated February 13 as West Virginia Nurses Unity Day. The Senate was informed that the House adopted House Concurrent Resolution 3 , which extends a formal invitation to the Governor to deliver the State of the State Address tonight at 7 P.M.

The House Minority held a press conference today detailing their plan for the upcoming Regular Session starting Wednesday. House Minority Leader Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha) highlighted the caucus’s initiative for the upcoming session, including education reform and creating jobs. “Too many of our fellow West Virginians are looking for work. Other are trying to work two low-paying jobs to make ends meet and feed their families.”

Education reform was the second main point highlighted during the conference. Armstead stressed that, although on the brink of education reform, we need to keep the focus on the students.

“We must remove the red tape and top-heavy bureaucracy that dictates every move from Charleston and allow our principals to administer their schools, our teachers to teach and our students to learn,” Armstead said.

Armstead also announced the leadership appointments for the House Republican office. Daryl Cowles (R-Morgan) was announced as the House Minority Whip while Patrick Lane (R-Kanawha) was appointed as the caucus chair.

Other appointments included Carol Miller (R-Cabell) as the new member advisor, Eric Nelson (R-Kanawha) as the Republican Conference Director of Fiscal Policy, John O’Neal IV (R-Raleigh) as the Republican Conference Director of Policy Initiatives, and John Ellem (R-Wood) as the caucus ethics advisor